Clarence Man Indicted for Killing His Wife

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Michael C. Brown, 55, of Clarence, was arraigned this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class A-I felony), one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class C violet felony) and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (Class D felonies).

It is alleged that on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at approximately 2:55 a.m., Erie County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a residence on 9100 block of Sheridan Drive in the Town of Clarence after receiving a 911 call. The victim, 50-year-old Deanna Christen, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The defendant is accused of intentionally causing the death of his wife by shooting her with a shotgun. Investigators allegedly recovered a total of 21 firearms from the residence, including one assault weapon and two extended-capacity magazines.

Brown is scheduled to return on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. for a pre-trial conference. He remains held without bail.

If convicted of the highest charge, Brown faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

DA Keane commends the Erie County Sheriff's Office Investigative Services Unit for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank A. Strano of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant Chief Rebecca A. Fioravanti of the Domestic Violence Bureau/Special Victims Unit.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.